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certain local interests in Hong Kong/the recent rapid expansion
of the Communist education programme. His telegram did not
state his intention of taking any immediate action against Communist schools but it canvassed the idea that a tough line
might soon be necessary.
The Governor undertook to inform us
of any specific moves he might have in mind.
3. Mr. Cradock in Peking has drawn attention to the
disquieting implications of the Governor's telegram (Peking
telegram No. 813). He points out that any action on the lines
S suggested by the Governor would constitute an important change
in our policy on the freedom of the Communists to conduct
their education programme in Hong Kong. Mr. Cradock emphasises
the following points:-
(a) Action against Communist schools as such is a new phenomenon and to be distinguished from the closure of Chung Wah which
was de-registered because of bomb-making.
(b)
We should meet full-scale Chinese opposition to any
campaign against Communist schools.
There would be
serious trouble in Hong Kong and repercussions on Sino-
British relations.
(c) We should be invalidating assurances previously given to the
Chinese (e.g., regarding the freedom of Communists in
Hong Kong to study the works of Mao, etc.).
(a) We should reverse the present trend towards slightly
improved relations with China.
Mr. Cradock sets out his arguments at considerable length. The essence of his thesis is to question whether Communist
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